Japanese Sequence Words: First, Then, Next, Finally
Learn to give basic instructions in Japanese using sequence words: mazu, sorekara, tsugi ni, saigo ni. Includes a recipe dialogue and common mistakes.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
When you give instructions in Japanese, the order of steps matters. This lesson teaches four essential sequence words: mazu (first), sorekara (then), tsugi ni (next), and saigo ni (finally). You will use them to connect actions into clear, polite instructions. Unlike listing ingredients, where items are simply named, sequencing words show the listener what to do first, second, third, and last. We will practice with a simple cooking task, but the same pattern works for directions, chores, or study routines. Pay attention to the particle ni in tsugi ni and saigo ni, and to the casual tone of sorekara. By the end, you will be able to give a short, ordered set of steps in natural Japanese.
By the end, you can…
- say 'first', 'then', 'next', and 'finally' in Japanese to order steps.
- give a simple three-step instruction using mazu, sorekara, and saigo ni.
- understand a short spoken sequence about preparing food or completing a task.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
まず
First,
mazu
Use at the very beginning of a set of instructions. It signals the first action. Often followed by a comma in writing.
それから
Then, / After that,
sorekara
Connects a second step to the first. Slightly casual but polite enough for everyday instructions. Do not use it for the final step.
次に
Next,
tsugi ni
A neutral, clear way to say 'next'. The particle ni is required. Use it for middle steps, especially the third or later step.
最後に
Finally,
saigo ni
Marks the last step. The particle ni is required. Use it only once, at the end of the sequence.
〜てください
Please do ~.
-te kudasai
Attach to the te-form of a verb to make a polite request. For example, 切ってください (kitte kudasai) = please cut.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The basic pattern is: sequence word + object + verb in te-form + kudasai. For example, まず、野菜を切ってください (mazu, yasai o kitte kudasai) means 'First, please cut the vegetables.' Then それから、鍋に入れてください (sorekara, nabe ni irete kudasai) means 'Then, please put them in the pot.' Finally, 最後に、塩を入れてください (saigo ni, shio o irete kudasai) means 'Finally, please add salt.' Notice that the sequence word comes first, then the object marked by o, then the verb. You can also use these words without kudasai when giving casual instructions to friends, but for polite contexts keep the te-form request.
When to use it
Use mazu when you start a new set of steps. Use sorekara for a quick, natural 'and then' between two actions. Use tsugi ni when you want to be very clear that this is the next step, especially in written recipes or formal explanations. Use saigo ni only for the final step; using it earlier confuses the listener. In spoken Japanese, sorekara is very common in daily conversation, while tsugi ni sounds slightly more structured. For example, a teacher might say まず、本を開いてください。次に、ページをめくってください。最後に、質問に答えてください。 (mazu, hon o aite kudasai. tsugi ni, peeji o mekutte kudasai. saigo ni, shitsumon ni kotaete kudasai.) This sequence is clear and polite.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
まず、卵を割ってください。
First, please crack the eggs.mazu, tamago o watte kudasai.はい、割りました。それから？
Okay, I cracked them. And then?hai, warimashita. sorekara?それから、牛乳を入れてください。次に、混ぜてください。
Then, please add milk. Next, please mix.sorekara, gyuunyuu o irete kudasai. tsugi ni, mazete kudasai.わかりました。最後に、何をしますか。
Understood. Finally, what do I do?wakarimashita. saigo ni, nani o shimasu ka.A little context goes a long way
In Japanese, sequence words often appear with a slight pause and a comma in writing. When speaking politely, use a gentle falling intonation on mazu, sorekara, tsugi ni, and saigo ni. Avoid using sorekara as the final step; it implies more steps may follow. In formal written instructions, such as recipes or manuals, tsugi ni and saigo ni are preferred over sorekara. In casual conversation among friends, sorekara is perfectly fine, but for a boss or teacher, stick to tsugi ni and saigo ni for clarity and respect.
One thing to watch for
Using sorekara for the final step, as in それから、塩を入れてください (sorekara, shio o irete kudasai) when it is actually the last step.
Try this instead: Use saigo ni for the last step: 最後に、塩を入れてください (saigo ni, shio o irete kudasai). Sorekara suggests that another step follows, so it can confuse the listener. If you have only two steps, mazu and sorekara are fine, but for three or more, reserve saigo ni for the end.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'First, please wash the rice' in Japanese?
Show a sample answer
まず、米を洗ってください。 (mazu, kome o aratte kudasai.)
Mazu marks the first step, and the te-form of 洗う (arau) plus kudasai makes a polite request. You could also say 最初に (saisho ni) for 'first', but mazu is more common in instructions.
2What is the difference between sorekara and tsugi ni?
Show a sample answer
Sorekara is a casual 'then' or 'after that', while tsugi ni is a more structured 'next'. Tsugi ni often appears in written or formal instructions.
Both can connect steps, but tsugi ni is clearer for formal sequences. Sorekara is fine in everyday conversation. Using either in the right register is acceptable.
3Translate into Japanese: 'Next, please turn off the fire. Finally, please wait five minutes.'
Show a sample answer
次に、火を消してください。最後に、五分待ってください。 (tsugi ni, hi o keshite kudasai. saigo ni, gofun matte kudasai.)
Tsugi ni introduces the next step, and saigo ni marks the final step. The te-form of 消す (kesu) is 消して (keshite), and 待つ (matsu) becomes 待って (matte). You could also use sorekara instead of tsugi ni in casual speech.
Use mazu for the first step, sorekara or tsugi ni for middle steps, and saigo ni only for the last step. Always attach kudasai to the te-form for polite instructions.
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